Boltarian Orcs

People run in fear from us, seeing only the barbaric, bloodthirsty monster of their tales and not the people underneath

The Boltarians are orcs of the Boltarian Steppe. They are seen by the outside world as barbarians, people who kill their own brothers for sacrifice and will slaughter each other for fun. In reality, they are not as bloodthirsty as the tales suggest - but that does not mean they aren't dangerous.

Naming Traditions

Family names

Orcish people do not use family names in the same way as other cultures do. Instead, they will often use bynames related to their achievements and occupations. Occassionally, Orcish people who travel to different countries will use their mother's name as their last name in order to fit in - for example, Maul, son of Durak, will use the name Maul Durakson.

Culture

Common Customs, traditions and rituals

Volunteer Sacrifice

A key part of Orcish society is the Sacrifice. Every full moon, they will sacrifice volunteers in order to appease their God, Tolokoth. It is considered one of the greatest honours in Orcish society to volunteer for sacrifice, as they believe all who are killed for Tolokoth will recieve great honours in the afterlife. Volunteers are placed upon a bed of traditional herbs, with their weapons beside them, as the Shaman says the sacrificial prayers - blessing his soul and entrusting it to Tolokoth. The Shaman will then take a sacrificial dagger, pierce his chest, and pluck out his heart to hold up to the sky in honour of Tolokoth. The body is then burnt, producing a sweet scent due to the herbs.

Prisoner Sacrifice

They also sacrifice prisoners of war, people from other cultures and other races. This, in contrast with volunteers, is seen as the ultimate punishment and will result in eternal damnation from Tolokoth. Unlike the volunteer sacrifice, this is conducted whenever they please and is far more painful. Prisoners are tied to a rack and receive the Prayers of Damnation, before receiving the 'ten thousand cuts of ritual' - in which a group of orcs take sacrificial daggers and make as many cuts as possible onto the prisoners body - causing immense pain and eventually death. The blood pours into channels, where it is collected and used for blessings throughout the year.

Ideals

Gender Ideals

Boltarian society is patriarchal and patrilineal. Men are the hunters, warriors and leaders, whilst the women are expected to care for the home.There are some female orcs who believe that the patriarchal society is incorrect and that they are equal to men, but this movement is small and in its infancy.

Courtship Ideals

There is very little courtship in Boltarian society as marriage is rarely about love, it is almost always conducted to provide an advantage to both families. Marriages are arranged by the parents of two families, and the wife will usually only meet her future husband on their wedding day.

Relationship Ideals

Boltarian Orcs are polyamorous. Male Orcs can have several wives, with a greater amount of wives being a symbol of wealth and power. A tribe leader may have around six wives, whilst a lowly peasant may have only two - or even just one.